Carleton Rode primary, a 60-pupil Church of England-aided school, achieved an across-the-board grade 2 "good" rating in a recent inspection.

A South Norfolk village school has won praise from Ofsted for the quality of its teaching and learning and the strength of its teamwork.

Carleton Rode primary, a 60-pupil Church of England-aided school, achieved an across-the-board grade 2 “good” rating in a recent inspection.

Ofsted's report says: “It has made good progress since the last inspection and is well placed to maintain this momentum. The school benefits from dedicated leadership from the headteacher (David Street) who has systematically developed teamwork to help achieve a climate for improvement. One delighted parent, whose views are echoed by many others, commented: 'The headteacher has been a credit to the school and the last few years' development has been due to his leadership and vision.'”

Teamwork was key to the school's success, says the report. "Supportive relationships have enabled the staff to grow in confidence and to share responsibility for effective school leadership. This is apparent in the successful work in monitoring school performance, improving the quality of teaching and in strengthening and sharpening assessment arrangements."

The report says children make good progress and achieve well in the reception class, and this was built upon by good teaching in Years 1 and 2. “Pupils continue to make good gains in their learning in Key Stage 2 because the quality of teaching and learning is good and and the curriculum has been carefully structured to motivate the pupils.”

Better assessment had seen a consequent improvement in test results for Year 6 pupils. Attainment in English and mathematics had both risen.

“Pupils' personal development and well-being are good,” the report notes. “They greatly enjoy coming to school and attendance rates are above average. Staff respect and value the pupils who consequently develop self-confidence, self-esteem and and self-discipline.”

The inspector said the school needed to make some lessons more challenging to raise the achievement of higher attaining pupils and take further steps to promote awareness and understanding of the diversity of modern society.

Headteacher Mr Street said: “It's very pleasing to receive such an overwhelmingly positive report which reflects the effort put in by staff and pupils and the support that parents and governors have given the school.

“The improvements made since the last inspection represent the fruits of a great deal of hard work by staff, assisted by improved resources both in terms of additional buildings and equipment such as interactive white boards that considerably improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning.”